Canada

The Americas

Whatever your travel aspirations, in Canada, dreams become reality. From the soaring mountain ranges and sparkling ski resorts to the chic cities and sprawling country landscapes, this eclectic nation never fails to impress.

Overview

As the world’s second largest country, it’s no surprise that there’s so much more to Canada than just cosmopolitan cities and magnificent mountains. The country is known for being a cultural smorgasbord, where diversity runs all the way from the Pacific Coast to the Atlantic.

Find internationally inspired cuisine, from candied salmon in British Columbia, barbequed beef in Alberta, poutine in Quebec and a Jiggs dinner in Newfoundland. As for the landscapes, discover arid deserts in the Okanagan Valley, glacier jewels in Banff, Jurassic drives of the Dinosaur Provincial Park in Alberta and red sandy beaches of Prince Edward Island.

Canada is truly a year round destination. In the summer, take advantage of the warm waters, blissful beaches and pleasant temperatures perfect for taking in city sights by foot or bike. Go explore with a scenic self-drive and discover all the natural wonders of the Great White North, from the healing hot springs to awe-inspiring waterfalls. For a more leisurely experience, why not ride through the Rockies by rail? Gaze upon nature through wraparound windows and you might see a bear feeding its cubs or a magnificent moose lazily grazing.

Explore by air, on foot, by rail or on the road as you embark upon the trip of a lifetime.

Highlights

From towering mountain ranges and glacial lakes to cosmopolitan cities and never-ending prairies, Canada is an eclectic medley of landscapes, cultures and cuisines simply waiting to be explored.

Winter wonderlands

On Canada’s mainland, the mountains are calling. Whistler, the former winter Olympics host is a must for all downhill enthusiasts with great temperatures for bluebird snowy days, and a haven for adrenaline-seekers and ski fanatics. Head inland to the Banff and Jasper National Parks to see the stunning Lake Louise, just a small part of this epic epicentre for outdoor adventures, especially during winter with snow sports in abundance.

Quirky cuisine

Epicurean delights await, whatever your destination. Toronto is enjoying a reputation for becoming the world’s next culinary hot spot, while Quebec is famed for its rich culinary tradition. Sample Montreal’s celebrated national dish of poutine, or enjoy a picnic in the park in Vancouver. Locally sourced produce and artisan goodies are rife, with several spectacular wineries dotted throughout the countryside, guaranteed to inspire your palette.

Otherwordly outdoors

Travel towards the Atlantic and encounter some of the world’s most magnificent coastlines along New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland. In between the former two, you’ll find The Bay of Fundy, which boasts the world’ highest tides and is considered one of the seven wonders of North America. Set your sights upon the Northern Lights and explore the Yukon. Home to Canada’s highest peak, Mount Logan, discover epic glaciers, alpine lakes and lots of wide, open roads.

Wildlife Watching

Canada’s abundant native wildlife has an enduring appeal, from pods of whales and roaming grizzly bears to magnificent moose and even polar bears. The best way to come face-to-face with these majestic creatures is by heading out into the wilderness on an escorted wildlife tour, where guides will take you to the best spots for seeing Canada’s most lovable residents.

When to visit

Canada’s climate varies wildly based on geography, from perma-frost in the north to four distinct seasons towards the equator. In this region the temperature can climb up to 35°C in the summer and descend to a chilly -25°C during winter. Canada’s climate is characterized by its diversity, as temperature and precipitation differ depending on where you are and what time of year it is. Other than the north where it’s above freezing for only a few months a year, most Canadian cities are within 300 km of the southern border, where mild springs, hot summers and pleasantly crisp autumns are common during the majority of the year.